SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini Review | 64 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£120
  • Avg. price in US: ~$130
  • Layout size: 60%
  • Connection type: USB
  • Switch type: optical
  • Polling rate: 1,000 Hz

SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

6.5

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the keyboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best keyboards on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.7

Technical Score

20.0%

9.5

User score

Good
5.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

4.8

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

6.0

Switches

20.0%

7.0

Materials

12.0%

6.2

Features

6.0%

4.5

Design

Good
9.5

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

9.3

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
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4.6
(890)
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4.8
(261)
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4.6
(214)
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4.6
(194)
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4.5
(148)
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4.8
(42)
United States
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4.6
(890)
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4.8
(261)
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4.6
(214)
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4.6
(194)
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4.5
(148)
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4.8
(42)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Exceptional
  • 5.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Polling rate

    24.0%

    1.0

    Rapid trigger

    20.0%

    10

    Adjustable actuation

    16.0%

    10

    Hot-swappable switches

    12.0%

    10

    Onboard memory

  • 7.4
    Typing

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Wrist rest included

    24.0%

    10

    Legend method

    20.0%

    10

    Adjustable feet

    15.0%

    9.0

    Typing angle

    13.0%

    4.0

    Pre-lubed stabilizers

  • 1.2
    Programming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.0

    QMK support

    26.0%

    1.0

    VIA support

    18.0%

    1.0

    Mac compatibility

    14.0%

    0.0

    Multi-device pairing

    12.0%

    4.0

    Connection type

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini is a high-performance 60% form factor gaming keyboard featuring custom-built OptiPoint linear optical switches that offer a rapid 0.2ms response time and zero debounce. A standout characteristic is its dual-point actuation, allowing users to toggle between a 1.0mm gaming-grade and a 1.5mm deliberate typing height, supported by a durable Series 5000 aluminum top plate and double-shot PBT keycaps. Main pros include its space-saving compact design, hot-swappable switch capability for easy customization, and full RGB per-key illumination through the SteelSeries Engine software. However, notable cons include the lack of dedicated arrow and media keys due to the small layout, a high price point compared to some competitors, and the absence of a wrist rest for long-term ergonomic comfort.

Technical Specifications of SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

4.8

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

6.0

Switches

20.0%

7.0

Materials

12.0%

6.2

Features

6.0%

4.5

Design

5.7
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has a technical score of 5.74 points, which is lower than that of 80.1% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

9.3

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(890)
amazon
4.8
(261)
amazon
4.6
(214)
amazon
4.6
(194)
amazon
4.5
(148)
amazon
4.8
(42)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(890)
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
(261)
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(214)
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(194)
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(148)
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
(42)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

9.5
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has a user score of 9.48 points, which is higher than that of 97.2% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
10
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 68.6% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.5

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

7.5
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.5 points, which is lower than 64.4% of products in this category.
Switch type
What it is: Identifies the switch technology used by the keyboard, such as mechanical, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you are choosing between different response technologies and their long-term behavior.

Importance: HIGH

optical
Switch feel
What it is: Describes the keypress character, such as linear, tactile, or clicky.
When it matters: When the sensation of each keypress changes comfort, control, and noise level for your use.

Importance: HIGH

linear
Switch name
What it is: States the specific switch model used by the keyboard.
When it matters: When the exact switch model matters because small tuning differences affect your preference.

Importance: MEDIUM

SteelSeries OptiPoint
Actuation force
What it is: Measures how much force is needed to actuate a key.
When it matters: When finger fatigue, accidental presses, or key resistance matters to your typing style.

Importance: HIGH

?
Min actuation distance
What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

Importance: MEDIUM

1 mm
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has a minimum actuation distance of 1 mm, which is shorter than 75.8% of keyboards and equal to 2.9% of keyboards.
Show more
Keyboard type
What it is: Identifies the keyboard technology, such as mechanical, membrane, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you need a keyboard built around a specific switch technology or feel profile.

Importance: HIGH

optical
Layout size
What it is: States the keyboard form factor and how much of the standard keyset it includes.
When it matters: When desk space, portability, or access to a full key set affects how you work or play.

Importance: HIGH

60%
Layout standard
What it is: Specifies the regional layout standard, such as ANSI, ISO, or JIS.
When it matters: When you need a regional key layout that matches your language habits or keycap set.

Importance: MEDIUM

ANSI
N. of keys
What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

Importance: MEDIUM

61
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has 61 keys, which is fewer than 92.4% of keyboards and equal to 6.8% of keyboards.
Profile
What it is: Describes whether the keyboard uses a low-profile or standard-height design.
When it matters: When key height changes your typing comfort, travel distance, or the overall desk setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

standard
Show more
Connection type
What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

Importance: HIGH

USB
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini offers USB connectivity, which is less versatile than 56.7% of keyboards and equal to 43.3% of keyboards.
Multi-device pairing
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard can stay paired with multiple devices for quicker switching.
When it matters: When you switch regularly between a laptop, tablet, and other devices on one desk.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Bluetooth version
What it is: States the Bluetooth generation supported for wireless pairing.
When it matters: When wireless stability, compatibility, and energy efficiency are part of what you compare.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Mac compatibility
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard is intended to work properly with macOS layouts, shortcuts, or legends.
When it matters: When you need the keyboard to work properly with macOS shortcuts and key mapping.

Importance: HIGH

no
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini is not Mac compatible. 55.9% of keyboards work with Mac.
Battery life
What it is: Estimates how long the keyboard can run on a full charge.
When it matters: When the keyboard needs to last through workweeks, travel, or long gaming stretches without constant charging.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Show more
RGB lighting
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes customizable RGB lighting effects.
When it matters: When visual customization and desk aesthetics matter to your setup.

Importance: HIGH

yes
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has RGB lighting. 12.3% of keyboards have RGB lighting.
Per-key RGB
What it is: Shows whether each key can be lit and controlled independently instead of sharing one uniform lighting zone.
When it matters: When customizing each key individually matters for visuals, games, or shortcut visibility.

Importance: HIGH

yes
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has per-key RGB lighting. 23% of keyboards have per-key RGB lighting.
RGB zones
What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

Importance: LOW

61
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has 61 RGB zones, which is fewer than 74.7% of keyboards and equal to 6.3% of keyboards.
Underglow / side lighting
What it is: Shows whether the case includes lighting around the underside or outer edges in addition to the keys themselves.
When it matters: When edge lighting is part of the visual style you want from the keyboard.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini does not include underglow lighting. 31.7% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
Backlight direction
What it is: Specifies whether the switches use north-facing or south-facing backlighting.
When it matters: When you care about switch compatibility, keycap interference, or lighting placement.

Importance: LOW

north-facing
Show more
Case material
What it is: Describes the main material used for the keyboard case.
When it matters: When build feel, rigidity, and overall finish influence your sense of quality.

Importance: HIGH

plastic
Plate material
What it is: Describes the material used for the mounting plate beneath the switches.
When it matters: When keyboard stiffness, sound profile, and bottom-out feel matter more than the switch spec sheet alone.

Importance: HIGH

aluminum
Keycap material
What it is: Describes the material used to make the keycaps.
When it matters: When surface texture, wear resistance, and sound of the keycaps affect your choice.

Importance: HIGH

PBT
Keycap profile
What it is: Describes the shape and height profile of the keycaps.
When it matters: When key shape and sculpting affect comfort, wrist angle, and the sound of each press.

Importance: MEDIUM

OEM
Legend method
What it is: Describes how the legends are applied to the keycaps, which affects durability and visibility.
When it matters: When you care about how long key legends stay readable after heavy use.

Importance: MEDIUM

double-shot
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini uses double-shot legends, which are more durable than 25.8% of keyboards and equal to 74.2% of keyboards.
Show more

SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini vs the average keyboard

  • 0.8 mm shorter key travel
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has 3.2 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
    What it is: Measures the full distance a key can move from top to bottom.
    When it matters: When full key movement changes comfort, speed, or the way the keyboard feels under your fingers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has 3.2 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.3.2 mm vs 4 mm
  • Adjustable actuation
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini supports adjustable actuation, the average keyboard does not. 22.6% of keyboards offer adjustable actuation.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard lets you change how deep a key must travel before it registers.
    When it matters: When you want a shorter trigger for competitive play or a deeper trigger to reduce accidental presses while typing.

    Importance: HIGH

    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini supports adjustable actuation, the average keyboard does not. 22.6% of keyboards offer adjustable actuation.
  • 0.5 mm shorter actuation distance
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has a longer maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.5 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.
    What it is: Measures the highest configurable actuation point or trigger position.
    When it matters: When you want precise control over how deep a key can be set to trigger for different games or typing styles.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has a longer maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.5 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.1.5 mm vs 2 mm
  • 0.7 mm shorter actuation distance
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
    What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
    When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.1 mm vs 1.7 mm
  • 30.7% lower weight
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini weighs less than the average keyboard (676 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
    What it is: Measures the total mass of the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you care whether the keyboard feels easy to carry or heavy enough to stay planted on the desk.

    Importance: HIGH

    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini weighs less than the average keyboard (676 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.676 g vs 976 g
  • 18.5% higher user score
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has a higher user score than the average keyboard (9.48 vs 8).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has a higher user score than the average keyboard (9.48 vs 8).9.48 vs 8
  • 62 mm narrower width
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini is narrower than the average keyboard (293 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.
    What it is: Measures the keyboard from side to side.
    When it matters: When the keyboard has to match limited desk width or fit inside a specific setup.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini is narrower than the average keyboard (293 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.293 mm vs 355 mm
  • 30.7% lower weight
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini weighs less than the average keyboard (676 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
  • 62 mm narrower width
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini is narrower than the average keyboard (293 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.
  • 0.8 mm shorter key travel
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has 3.2 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
  • Adjustable actuation
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini supports adjustable actuation, the average keyboard does not. 22.6% of keyboards offer adjustable actuation.
  • 0.5 mm shorter actuation distance
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has a longer maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.5 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.
  • 0.7 mm shorter actuation distance
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
  • 26 fewer keys
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has fewer keys than the average keyboard (61 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Limited Mac support
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini is not Mac compatible, the average keyboard is. 55.8% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
  • No pre-lubed stabilizers
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini does not have pre-lubed stabilizers, the average keyboard does. 81.1% of keyboards come with pre-lubed stabilizers.
  • 22 fewer RGB zones
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (61 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
    What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
    When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

    Importance: HIGH

    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
  • Limited Mac support
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini is not Mac compatible, the average keyboard is. 55.8% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard is intended to work properly with macOS layouts, shortcuts, or legends.
    When it matters: When you need the keyboard to work properly with macOS shortcuts and key mapping.

    Importance: HIGH

    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini is not Mac compatible, the average keyboard is. 55.8% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
  • 26 fewer keys
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has fewer keys than the average keyboard (61 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
    What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has fewer keys than the average keyboard (61 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.61 vs 87
  • No pre-lubed stabilizers
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini does not have pre-lubed stabilizers, the average keyboard does. 81.1% of keyboards come with pre-lubed stabilizers.
    What it is: Shows whether the stabilizers arrive factory-lubricated instead of requiring manual tuning for smoother larger keys.
    When it matters: When larger keys like space, enter, and shift need to feel smoother and sound less rattly out of the box.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini does not have pre-lubed stabilizers, the average keyboard does. 81.1% of keyboards come with pre-lubed stabilizers.
  • 22 fewer RGB zones
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (61 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
    What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
    When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

    Importance: LOW

    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (61 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.61 vs 83
  • 3.9% worse value for money
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has worse value for money than the average keyboard (7.51 vs 7.802).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini has worse value for money than the average keyboard (7.51 vs 7.802).7.51 vs 7.8

Graphic comparison of SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini?

  • Extremely fast and responsive 0.2ms optical switches with zero debounce
  • Customisable dual-point actuation (1.0mm for gaming, 1.5mm for typing)
  • Hot-swappable switches allowing for easy repair or customisation
  • Premium build quality with a Series 5000 aluminium top plate
  • Durable, textured double-shot PBT keycaps that resist fading and grease
  • Compact 60% form factor saves significant desk space for mouse movement
  • Conveniently integrated keycap puller stored in the base of the keyboard
  • Vibrant, per-key RGB lighting that is highly customisable via software

What customers dislike about SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini?

  • Higher price point compared to some other 60% keyboard alternatives
  • Sound quality can be inconsistent, with some users reporting a rattly space bar
  • Lacks a dedicated wrist rest, which some users find necessary for comfort
  • RGB brightness is reported by some to be lower than previous SteelSeries models
  • Missing dedicated media controls and arrow keys due to the compact layout
  • Some users noted unexpected flex in the chassis despite the aluminium plate
  • Does not save custom RGB profiles directly to the hardware without software running

Expert reviews

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21/12/2022
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22/09/2022
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gstylemag.com
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30/04/2023
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07/03/2023
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10/01/2023
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01/12/2022
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techgaming.nl
24/10/2022
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Video reviews

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